Distinguished Scholars 2011: Jeffrey Sendejar, Spirit

Even from above the crowd, senior stays grounded

TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES
Jeffrey Sendejar, drum major and student council president, hopes to attend the University of Chicago next fall to study biology.

Corpus Christi Caller-Times

TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES
Jeffrey Sendejar, Carroll High School, a winner in the 2011 Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished Scholars in the Spirit category.

Corpus Christi Caller-Times

CORPUS CHRISTI - He stands on an elevated platform with hands raised, gracefully urging the band to play. This field is Jeffrey Sendejar's stage, but he doesn't consider himself the lead.

As drum major for Carroll High School, Jeffrey decided to make this group of many one cohesive sound, with his a supporting role.

"I think of myself as more of a stagehand," he said.

Because of his ability to exemplify leadership and school pride, Jeffrey has been named a winner in the 2011 Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished Scholars Spirit category.

Jeffrey, 17, is ranked 41st out of 576 in his graduating class at Carroll High School, where he maintains a 100.3 grade average. He plans to attend the University of Chicago next fall and focus his studies on biology. He would like to be a surgeon.

It is 6:30 a.m., and a long caravan of headlights has already begun to travel through the Carroll parking lot. Jeffrey is inside preparing for another morning practice. Between classes and clubs, his typical school day likely will end about 8 p.m.

Keeping up is all about prioritizing, Jeffrey said, and sometimes it means hanging out with friends goes out the window.

Jeffrey's mom, Norma Sendejar, described her son as a natural leader and said she has never seen him panic.

"I talk to him a lot. When he was younger, I remember having this conversation You know how sometimes kids say things that just surprise you?" she said. "Well, he told me, 'Mom, I want to be the person that knows things.' He wants to be that guy."

And not just about music, but art, government, science — everything he possibly can.

Since Jeffrey was very young, Norma has told her son she wanted him to take her places because she knew he didn't need her to lead him. He was in third grade the first time he told her he didn't need her help on a project.

Through his time spent with the band, Jeffrey can say he has taken his mom to Florida and California. After he graduates medical school, he wants to take her to Mount Rushmore — a landmark that fascinates her.

Band director Joseph Rosales, who nominated Jeffrey for the scholarship award, said it fascinates him that a student involved in so much can put 100 percent into everything and shortchange no one. Rosales said Jeffrey treats everyone as his equal, gives respect and gets it in return.

"He doesn't look to stand out or to be put on a pedestal," Rosales said. "He just does."

Jeffrey understands that while he stands in front as drum major, it doesn't make him above anyone else. And he shines brighter because of it.